NeuroTalk Support Groups - Anyone on the Fentanyl patch??

NeuroTalk Support Groups (https://www.neurotalk.org/)

- Spinal Disorders & Back Pain (https://www.neurotalk.org/spinal-disorders-and-back-pain/)

- - Anyone on the Fentanyl patch?? (https://www.neurotalk.org/spinal-disorders-and-back-pain/73639-fentanyl-patch.html)

Reply to karens post.

Hello karen. How r u? I also have used a heating pad, but, I'm having second thoughts now after reading about these innocen easy OD's. This is so horrible! So innocent and its just not right at all! I will now stop with the heating pad to "speed up a little" the effects of the pain med working for me. I especially don't think this s something that should be shared here because of all the innocent new people relying on our experience and knowledge of the patch for their own life. If we choose to "take a risk" like this, its really on us but not something we should share with others. I just feel we have a responsibility like this. Best of hope for you and your endeavors for a more comfortable life. Marla.

Quote:

Originally Posted by glomom (Post 452839)

Hello Everyone!

I'm glo from Mass. , and I have chronic pain issues with my neck, right shoulder blade, right shoulder, right arm & hand, and top right half of my back. I have a congenital fusion in my neck with only a remnant of a disc. The discs above and below this level are herniated. I have DDD, and 2 herniated discs in the T-spine. I also have some arthritis and other fun stuff going on in there. I have tried the injections and rhizotomy/denervation route for the last 4 years without consistent pain relief. I am very disappointed that I am not a surgical candidate.
I was wondering how many people in here are on the Fentanyl patch, and how have your experiences been? It would be very helpful if you were willing to share your experiences. I can tell you that I just started at the Pain mgt. center about 4 months ago. I am on the Fentanyl 25 patch. This has given me the best and most consistent pain relief that I have ever had. The only issue that I had in terms of break through pain was on the 3rd day- change patch day. I am very thankful that the dr. listened to me and changed me to a 48 hour schedule. I am not increasing the strength - just getting a fresh patch sooner. For some reason, the patch was quite ineffective on day 3 and I was going from a 2 for pain to a 9-10 pain level. It took me & my family a few weeks to notice the pattern.
I also wanted to know how long you have lasted without having to increase the strength. I am very worried about that. I honestly don't want to be on any pain meds, but I also don't want to be stuck in bed crying any more. I finally gave in and accepted that I needed to move more and that it has taken pain relief to do so.

Are you able to take baths with the patch? Is there a trick to that? Are you able to go in pools or the ocean at all? Can you remove the patch for a hot bath & reapply the same one? Did you have to sign a pain mgt. contact? How are you managing without driving anymore?

Thank you for the wonderful greetings to Neuro Talk!
Thank you for reading, and any input would be greatly appreciated!

glo

:)

I was on the patch for 2 days and nearly died. Had to go the ER and they thought I was having a stroke. They told me to take it off and I got better. So I don't think the patch is a good thing.

I can post about my dd passing.
My dd autopsy toxicology report listed a lethal dose of fentynal as her cause of death.
The absorbtion was too fast, leaking patch, warm room, She had a fever from infection two days earlier.....?
She was only 29.

She did not have a heating pad, but warnings are hidden in the tiny wording of the insert I am told. Nothing on the box about it. THere are warnings about causing drowsiness. Not the heat sources.......They can not be moved, retaped, or wrapped in an ace bandage if they start lifting.....

The patch is suppose to last 3 days, it is 2 days because it comes out too fast!

The recalls on the patches are due to the ones with the pouch of gel instead of the matrix dots. The machine at times fails to seal patches and the gel can leak out. That is why batches of recalls.

The true danger of this type of medication is not even revealed with doctors.

Be very very careful, your family can never replace your value to their lives and love.

Quote:

Originally Posted by glomom (Post 452839)

I have been on patch for 10 years and after 48 hrs they start waering off. And I have to take pain meds for the brake threw pain. The patches without the gel do-not work as good on me. The release of medacation veries with the none gel on me.You have to reilize that you are going to hurt the patch will make it more bearable. Good luck be safe try to keep positive attitude, andmost important keep active if you sit around it will get worse.

Glo,
I do everything I did before I got the patch in the means of driving, bathing or anything near water. The only thing I have had to change is when I go for physical therapy they cannot do the ultra sound or the hot packs where my patch is. I have been on the patch for 2 1/2 years. I started with the lowest dose of 12mcg and then earlier this year or late last year I went up to 25mcg. I went to my doctor yesterday and we are changing to a higher dose starting Wednesday. I will use a 12 mcg and a 25mcg patch at the same time. If I do not get enough pain relief then I will go to two 25mcg to see if I can handle that if I can then I will go to the full 50 mcg patch. If I did not wear my patch I would not be moving. I wear one for chronic back pain and before my brother died he wore one for the pain from his cancer. Hope this info helps.